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Mother-in-law's Tongue
Sansevieria hyacinthoides
SA tree number
English: Mother-in-law's Tongue, Piles Root, Bowstring Hemp, Snake Plant, Bowstring Hemp
Afrikaans: Skoonma-se-tong, Aambeiwortel, Haasoor, Wildedatel, Tougaring
Xhosa: isiKholokotho
Zulu: isiKwendle, isiTokotoko
Khoi: Kai, Ghaiwortel
Misapplied or old scientific names: Sansevieria angustiflora, Sansevieria grandis, Sansevieria grandis var. zuluensis, Sansevieria guineensis, Sansevieria thyrsiflora, Dracaena hyacinthoides
Sansevieria hyacinthoides (now officially Dracaena hyacinthoides), commonly known as Mother-in-law's Tongue or Skoonmoedertong, is a widespread indigenous succulent perennial found across the warmer, eastern parts of South Africa. It is characterised by its distinctive, upright, sword-shaped, dark green leaves mottled with lighter green or greyish bands, emerging from a thick underground rhizome. While primarily cultivated as an ornamental plant (especially as a hardy indoor plant), it is also valued for its strong fibres traditionally used for bowstrings and ropes, and its various uses in traditional medicine. Its extreme hardiness and striking architectural form make it a versatile choice for water-wise gardens, containers, or dry, shady areas.
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Distinguishing features
A succulent perennial plant growing from a thick, creeping rhizome.
Produces upright, sword-shaped or broadly strap-like, fleshy leaves that are typically dark green with distinctive transverse bands or mottling of lighter green, grey-green, or yellowish-white.
Leaves typically grow in a rosette or small cluster directly from the ground.
Flowers are small, fragrant, greenish-white to pale yellow, borne on a slender, erect spike.
Forms dense clumps over time due to its spreading rhizomes.
Mildly toxic if ingested.
Overall appearance:
Sansevieria hyacinthoides forms upright clumps of stiff, sword-like leaves that create a strong architectural statement. The variegated patterns on its leaves provide year-round visual interest, making it a popular choice for its structural form and low maintenance.
Height:
Leaves typically grow 0.3 to 1 metre tall. The flower spike can reach up to 1.5 metres.
Width:
Forms spreading clumps, typically 0.3 to 0.6 metres wide, but can cover larger areas over time due to its rhizomatous growth.
Leaves:
Broadly sword-shaped or strap-like, upright, rigid, fleshy, and succulent.
Typically 30–100 cm long and 5–10 cm wide.
Colour is dark green with characteristic transverse bands or mottling of lighter green, grey-green, or yellowish-white.
The apex is usually pointed with a sharp tip.
Leaves arise directly from the rhizome, often in a basal rosette of 2–6 leaves per growth point.
Flowers:
Small, tubular, fragrant, greenish-white to pale yellow, sometimes with a purplish tinge.
Borne in dense clusters along a tall, slender, erect spike (raceme), which emerges from the centre of the leaf rosette.
Flowers are often sticky with nectar.
Flowering season:
Typically flowers in spring and summer, from September to March, but can be sporadic.
Fruits:
Small, spherical, fleshy berries, 5–8 mm in diameter.
Ripen from green to orange-red.
Usually contain 1 to 3 seeds.
Seeds:
Small, round, enclosed within the fleshy berry. Dispersed by birds.
Stems:
Underground, thick, creeping rhizomes. No visible above-ground stem, as leaves emerge directly from the ground.
Roots:
Fibrous roots emerge from the thick, fleshy, creeping rhizomes, which can spread horizontally just below the soil surface, leading to the formation of dense clumps.
Rhizomes:
Possesses thick, fleshy, creeping rhizomes from which new leaves and shoots emerge, allowing the plant to spread.
Soil type:
Highly adaptable to a wide range of well-drained soils. It tolerates poor and sandy soils but thrives in rich, loamy, well-drained substrates. Excellent drainage is crucial to prevent rhizome rot.
Aspect:
Thrives in partial shade but is remarkably tolerant of deep shade and can also grow in full sun, though its leaves may yellow or show some sunburn in intense, direct sun. It is highly drought-tolerant and sensitive to overwatering. Moderately frost-tender, requiring protection from severe frost. Suitable for both dry and warm climates.
Edibility:
Not edible for humans or animals.
Toxicity:
Mildly toxic. All parts of the plant contain saponins, which can cause gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) if ingested. It is generally not life-threatening but can cause discomfort. Handle with care, wear gloves, and keep away from children and pets. The fibres are not toxic once processed.
Uses:
Ornamental Plant: Widely cultivated as a hardy, low-maintenance ornamental plant, particularly popular as an indoor pot plant due to its tolerance of low light and neglect. Excellent for dry, shady garden spots, rockeries, borders, and as an architectural accent.
Fibre Plant: Historically and traditionally important for its strong, tough fibres (bowstring hemp), extracted from the leaves, used for making bowstrings, ropes, coarse textiles, mats, and baskets.
Traditional Medicine: Various parts of the plant, despite its toxicity, are used in traditional African medicine for a range of ailments, including ear infections, stomach complaints, intestinal worms, and as a treatment for snake bites. Caution is paramount due to its toxicity.
Air Purifier: Popular as an indoor plant due to its purported ability to filter indoor air pollutants.
Ecology:
Pollination: The fragrant flowers are likely pollinated by nocturnal moths or other insects attracted to the scent and nectar.
Although toxic, the mole rat enjoys eating the rhizomes.
Seed Dispersal: The brightly coloured berries are attractive to and consumed by birds, which aid in seed dispersal.
Habitat Provision: Provides ground cover and shelter for small invertebrates.
Distribution and habitat:
Sansevieria hyacinthoides is widely distributed across the warmer, eastern parts of South Africa and extends into tropical Africa.
South African Provinces: Western Cape (naturalised in some areas), Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, Gauteng. Also found in Swaziland, Mozambique, and many other African countries.
Habitat: Typically found in dry, sandy, or rocky areas, often in coastal bush, open woodlands, riverine bush, and on forest margins, usually in dappled shade or full sun.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Sansevieria honours Raimondo di Sangro (1710-1771), Prince of San Severo, an Italian nobleman and inventor. (Note: The genus has since been merged into Dracaena).
The species epithet hyacinthoides means "resembling a hyacinth," possibly referring to the shape of its flowers or the way they are borne on the spike.
Common names like "Mother-in-law's Tongue" and "Snake Plant" refer to the shape and patterns of its leaves. "Bowstring Hemp" refers to its traditional use as a fibre plant.
Historical aspects:
Sansevieria hyacinthoides has been cultivated for centuries for its valuable fibres and medicinal properties in Africa. It gained global popularity as an ornamental houseplant in the 20th century due to its extreme hardiness and architectural appeal. Its recent reclassification into the genus Dracaena reflects modern genetic understanding, though the "Sansevieria" name remains prevalent in horticulture.
Interesting facts
This "Mother-in-law's Tongue" is tough as nails; it's practically indestructible, thriving on neglect and low light, which is why it's a favourite for both indoor and outdoor gardening!
Don't let its modern looks fool you – historically, its strong leaf fibres were used to make bowstrings, ropes, and even baskets, earning it the name "Bowstring Hemp."
Despite its somewhat sharp appearance, its small, pale flowers release a surprisingly sweet, strong fragrance, especially at night.
Growing tips
Propagation: Easily propagated from leaf cuttings (allow cut ends to callus for a few days before planting) or by dividing the rhizomes, especially when repotting.
Planting: Plant in well-drained soil, allowing the top of the rhizome to be at or just below the soil surface. Suitable for groundcover, rockeries, or containers.
Watering: Highly drought-tolerant. Water sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering is the most common cause of rot. Reduce watering significantly in winter.
Light: Adapts to a wide range, from deep shade to full sun. Partial shade or bright indirect light is often ideal for best leaf colour.
Frost: Moderately frost-tender. Protect from severe frost. In colder climates, grow in containers to move indoors.
Maintenance: Very low maintenance. Remove old or damaged leaves. Can be pruned to control spread.
Pests/Diseases: Generally robust. Watch for mealybugs or fungal rot from overwatering.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
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